Endoscope Nozzle Attachment Using Elastic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs face challenges in easily attaching and securely positioning a nozzle unit at the distal end, which can lead to loading issues and complex detachment processes, affecting the efficiency and reliability of fluid discharge and observation functions.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical member with an elastic member and regulating portion is inserted into a hole, where the elastic member deforms to secure the nozzle unit against the hole's internal surface, ensuring proper alignment and preventing the nozzle from falling out, while allowing easy detachment by rotating the nozzle unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cylindrical structure is rotated around a central axis to attach to the distal end of an insertion section, then the attachment is achieved, but loading issues occur and the detachment process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment structure is divided into distinct functional segments: the cylindrical member with external circumferential surface, the hole with internal circumferential surface, the elastic member for securing, and the regulating portion for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying both attachment and detachment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the cylindrical structure around a central axis as in conventional designs, this invention uses a linear insertion motion where the cylindrical member is simply inserted into the hole from the opening toward the bottom portion. The elastic member then automatically secures it through deformation, inverting the conventional attachment mechanism and eliminating complex rotational operations.
2Reliability
If the cylindrical member is securely fixed using conventional methods, then positioning is achieved, but loading issues occur on the nozzle unit
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary between the cylindrical member and the hole structure. It deforms to accommodate the cylindrical member and then abuts against the internal circumferential surface, providing secure positioning without directly loading the nozzle unit. This intermediary mechanism distributes forces and protects the cylindrical member from excessive loading.
3Ease of operation
If the elastic member is positioned closer to the opening than the regulating portion, then the cylindrical member can be easily inserted, but the securing mechanism becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The regulating portion is positioned on the external circumferential surface closer to the opening than the elastic member. This preliminary positioning structure guides the cylindrical member during insertion, ensuring proper alignment before the elastic member engages. This preliminary action facilitates easy insertion while maintaining effective securing when the elastic member deforms and abuts against the hole's internal surface.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the attachment and detachment of the nozzle unit, reduces loading on the nozzle, and maintains water-tightness, enhancing the endoscope's operational efficiency and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member provided on an external circumferential surface of the cylindrical member, elastically deformed when moved together with the cylindrical member from the opening toward the bottom portion, to get over the projecting portion, the elastic member abutting against a surface of the projecting portion facing the bottom portion of the hole, and elastically deformed to urge the cylindrical member toward the bottom portion
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes a cylindrical member, a first outward flange including a first cutout, a projection projecting inward from an internal circumferential surface of a hole formed in a distal end portion of an insertion section of the endoscope, and capable of being engaged with the first cutout, an elastic member to urge the cylindrical member toward a bottom portion of the hole, and a projecting portion formed to project from the internal circumferential surface of the hole and including a surface facing the bottom portion of the hole.